The Kentucky Division of Conservation and conservation districts across the commonwealth are involved in many areas of education to promote agricultural and construction conservation of our natural resources. Some of those available are listed below.
Envirothon is a competitive, problem-solving, natural resources experience for students in grades 9 through 12. The event is competitive, but education is the bottom line. With the support of natural resource professionals, students are trained in the ways that real life environmental problems are solved.
Teams of five students work to solve environmental problems.These teams are tested on their knowledge of Kentucky’s natural resources at five “in the field” test stations. Each station covers a separate topic addressing soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics and a current environmental issue. Through hands-on experiments, analysis and use of critical thinking skills, the teams answer a set of questions at each station.
2006 Kentucky Envirothon Winners - Picture of Kentucky's winning team with information and a narrative about their trip to Canada for final competition in the Canon Envirothon
Envirothon Rules and Regulations- Revised rules and regulations
2008 Envirothon Registration Form- Download and print for registration
Soil Reference Material and Links - to related sites from USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Envirothon Aquatics Guide - A guide to the Aquatics portion of Envirothon
Envirothon Aquatics State Test 2005 - Example of Envirothon state testing
Envirothon Aquatics Regional Test 2005 - Example of Envirothon regional testing
Forestry Envirothon information - Information about forestry portion of Envirothon
"Kentucky's Wildlife" - Theme for the 2007 edition of the Jim Claypool Art Contest and the Conservation Writing Contest.
Environmental Education page for Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
National Firewise Program Site
One of the most valuable tools in education is the use of the outdoors as part of the educational process. From the small to the large area surrounding the school to the field trip, examples are plenty. There are books and videos available, but sometimes the best advice and examples come from a school or program that is already in place.
The information in this guide is not necessarily complete since these areas are constantly changing and sometimes teachers move on to new locations. This guide was compiled from the 121 conservation districts, and if you have a comment, correction or question, contact Martin Bess.